Page 54 of The Secret Heir Next Door

” They seem to have a really good relationship.”

” They do. It’s quite special, honestly. Since he decided to strike out on his own with the tech company, he switched into the ruthless, asshole, Alpha male, and Abby is the only one who ever gets the old Logan to come back.”

” That’s good,” I smile.

” He’s worked so hard for all of it, but I hate that it’s made him bitter and turned him into an asshole. In our family, he was rare.”

I nod, not really knowing what to say.

I hear Abby squeal behind us, and I turn around to see her with wide eyes and a huge grin. Logan’s face looks similar as he gazes around in awe.

” This is amazing!” Abby shrieks excitedly as she rushes around, not sure where to go first.

” Logan, did you get her that dress?” Dee gasps. “It’s perfect.”

” That’s a Serena original,” he chuckles.

Dee’s eyes go back to me as she engulfs me in a hug. “It’s perfect. I can’t…I will shout your praises from the rooftops. I have never met anyone who captured my daughter’s personality so perfectly in everything.”

” Part of the birthday package,” I shrug casually.

“Mommy! Unicorns!” Abby squeals again.

Dee jogs to catch up with her daughter as Logan comes over to me. He engulfs me in a hug and kisses the top of my hair.

“You’re incredible, do you know that?”

“I may have heard it a time or two before,” I grin.

“Seriously, Serena, this is incredible. It’s more than I expected, that’s for damn sure.”

“Which is good, considering our deal.”

“Well, the deal wasn’t to impress me. It was to impress Abby and make certain she loves it.”

“I think I’ve got that locked.”

Abby is a whirlwind of excitement, her laughter ringing out as she races from one activity to the next. She’s currently dragging her mom towards the cake.

“Serena, come on! You have to see the cake! It’s so awesome!”

We follow along, my smile widening as I watch her bouncing curls and the way her eyes sparkle with joy. The cake is indeed a masterpiece—a three-tiered confection that’s almost too beautiful to eat.

The bottom layer is a deep, midnight blue, with tiny stars twinkling against it. The middle layer is a swirl of rainbow colors, like a watercolor painting come to life, and the top layer is a cloud of fluffy white, with a fondant unicorn perched on top, wearing a superhero cape.

“It’s perfect!” Abby gushes, clapping her hands together. “This is the best birthday ever!”

“I’m so glad you love it, sweetie. You deserve the best.”

“I want to live here forever!” she declares, her eyes wide with wonder. “Can we have another party tomorrow?”

I laugh, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “Maybe not tomorrow, but we can definitely plan something fun soon.”

She beams up at me, her face lit with pure happiness. “You’re the best! Can we go play with the unicorns now?”

“Of course we can,” I say, letting her lead us toward the majestic creatures.

The unicorns, white horses adorned with spiraled horns, are gentle and patient as the kids take turns petting them and posing for pictures. Abby’s excitement is infectious, and I find myself caught up in the magic of it all.